(57 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Kimberly Banczak

Wausau, WI

Leisure, Group and Incentive Travel Specialist

I have been working in the travel industry for more than 20 years. I enjoy partnering with customers to plan memorable vacations all over the world. I have focused my training to learn about popular European destinations including Italy, England, ...
Learn more about me.

I have been working in the travel industry for more than 20 years. I enjoy partnering with customers to plan memorable vacations all over the world. I have focused my training to learn about popular European destinations including Italy, England, Ireland, France and Germany. I also have experience in planning trips to Australia and New Zealand. These exciting destinations have captured my interest and I work closely with my clients to develop an unforgettable vacation experience.

I am a Certified Travel Associate and Certified Luxury Specialist both earned from the Travel Institute of America.  I have furthered my knowledge as a graduate of the Travel Leaders Certified Travel Specialist and Luxury Specialist Programs.  European Culture and Heritage was a large part of my course work. I also specialized in Luxury and All-inclusive travel. I have completed my certification with Viking Cruises and Globus Journeys.

I have taken several Avalon Waterways River Cruises on six of the major rivers in Europe.  I truly believe this is the best way to experience the cities of Europe.  The boat docks in the center of the cities and you are free to explore on your own or with an included excursion.  The ever growing popularity of river cruising is a great way for travelers to get an intimate experience of the countries/cities along the major waterways in Europe, Egypt, Asia and South America.

My leisure interests and course training focus have also included the cruise industry and all-inclusive travel. I am a Commodore Specialist with Princess Cruise Lines. I am also a Disney Travel Specialist.

I have personally traveled through several countries in Europe, throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. I also enjoy traveling to Las Vegas and the US National Parks.

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Kimberly Banczak

Can Be Reached At

1-715-355-4437 ext:100

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River Cruise Specialist

Avalon Poetry II

River cruising is, in my opinion, the best way to see the countries of Europe.  Every day you dock in a new city.  You have a choice of excursions to choose from that provide the opportunity to explore the history, architecture and culture of each destination.  The ships dock in the center of the city ensuring that the majority of the activities are walking tours that do not require motor coach transportation.

The river cruise ships are smaller in size, often carrying 100 - 170 passengers.  I have sailed with Avalon Waterways several times.  They are my preferred cruise line based on their amazing Panorama Suites that provide 200 square feet of cabin space.  The ships carry approximately 116 passengers.  The lower passenger capacity means fewer guests in dining rooms, lounges and on shore excursions.

My first river cruise experience was the Romantic Rhine itinerary from Basel, outside Zurich Switzerland, to Amsterdam.  We toured the cities of Speyer, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Mannheim, Rudesheim, Mainz, Koblenz and Cologne.  This region is rich in history and the Rhine Gorge with more than 25 castles in an approximate 3 - 4 hour sailing time window provide a glimpse into the way people lived and protected their cities.

I have sailed on the Rhine, Seine, Moselle, Main, Saone and Rhone rivers through France, Luxembourg, and Germany.

My husband, Jeff, and I are in our early fifties.  The demographic on the ships averages from 40 - 80 years old and we have always felt comfortable with our cruising companions.  Avalon has choices of active, discover and classic tours that allow travelers of all ages to participate in excursions that are as active or relaxing as they prefer.

As you can see I am very passionate about river cruising.  The highlight of my job is to share my experiences with clients and match them with the perfect river cruise for their interests.  While Avalon Waterways is my preferred cruise line I have trained with Viking, AMAWaterways and Tauck and am comfortable selling these brands as well.  My training allows me to share with you the benefits and differences between each companies cruise vacations.

You can feel confident that I will work with you to select the best river cruise for your interests and you will never regret the investment in this amazing way to see the rivers of Europe, South America, the Far East and Egypt.